Every ELCLASICO is important, but when it comes this late into a LALIGA EA SPORTS season the significance is multiplied. This Sunday, the Bernabu will host a top-of-the-table clash which could decide the title race, as a Los Blancos win would bring glory even closer. On the other hand, three points for Los Azulgranas would make it an extra intriguing end to the season, so it cannot be understated how big this weekend's game is.
Real Madrid have 78 points as things stand and are eight points clear of FC Barcelona, who are second. When the match ends, there will still be six games left to play, so a further 18 points at stake. If Carlo Ancelotti's team can win ELCLASICO and increase their lead to 11 points, they could almost start to celebrate the league title. However, a win for Xavi's side would reduce the gap to five points and allow Bara to keep dreaming.
The first ELCLASICO of the league season was won by Real Madrid, thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham as Los Blancos came from behind to take the victory. The Englishman was facing FC Barcelona for the first time and made it clear that he is a world-class star, making an immediate impact. After that victory, Real Madrid managed to move four points clear of their opponents, a gap they have since extended.
For FC Barcelona, this match is vital if they are to win a title this season. LALIGA EA SPORTS is the only trophy that Xavi's men can lift and that is why this ELCLASICO at the Bernabu is even more important than in previous seasons. Their main threat may well be Lamine Yamal, a player who was given an ovation at Real Madrid's stadium when he played for Spain in a recent friendly, while Robert Lewandowski will join him in attack, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong just behind and Marc-Andr ter Stegen in goal. It's a strong spine, so Bara can travel to the capital with some optimism.
It promises to be a great spectacle, especially since these are the two teams with the most shots in LALIGA EA SPORTS: 376 for Real Madrid to 354 for FC Barcelona. Plus, Los Blancos have scored 67 goals to 62 for Bara and have 331 dribbles this season to the Catalan outfit's 320. These stats make it clear that there will be quality play in Sunday's match. Also making the fixture interesting is the fact that Ancelotti and Xavi know each other well. The Italian knows that his rival will try to control possession and use the flanks, while Xavi can expect Ancelotti to exploit transition opportunities with speed.
With ELCLASICO, it's always about more than the three points on the line, but this weekend that's even more the case. Now that we're into the business end of the season, this should be a great occasion and a great ELCLASICO.
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